This disturbing and violent feature opens with a scene of a dead rat and a lifeless cat hanging by the neck. As the plot unfolds, Yatzek (Miroslaw Baka) is a 20-year-old drifter who murders a testy taxi driver (Jan Tesarz) in a… MoreThis disturbing and violent feature opens with a scene of a dead rat and a lifeless cat hanging by the neck. As the plot unfolds, Yatzek (Miroslaw Baka) is a 20-year-old drifter who murders a testy taxi driver (Jan Tesarz) in a gut-wrenching scene of excessive violence. Tension continues to build as a newly licensed young attorney (Krzysztof Globisz is chosen to represent Yatzek in court. Much anticipated and well-received at Cannes, the film won the European Film Academy Award for "Best European Film" in 1988.

Devoid of sentimentality, self-satisfaction and subconscious sexiness, A Short Film about Killing has the coolness and rigor of a mathematical proof. Yet few films have cried more passionately and articulately against the cycle of human violence.

While not sufficiently short, I did get its sense of killing (in terms of length as well as its content). Its graphic violent scenes are said to be highly… MoreWhile not sufficiently short, I did get its sense of killing (in terms of length as well as its content). Its graphic violent scenes are said to be highly effective. While not shocking, they're boring enough to end up as an avoidable drag (if it's the same movie I watched). Apparently, I'm at loss for my shortsightedness to savor this acclaimed masterpiece. All the same, I did find it engaging in parts, and appreciate its uncomplicated storyline. If only it was equally interesting..... Hope you face no problems enjoying it to its fullest.

Randy Tippy

Kieslowski's artful and unusual expression of despair.

Gimly M.

Not as short or as about killing as you might believe. I suppose "A regularly-timed film about a political point of view" didn't have the same… MoreNot as short or as about killing as you might believe. I suppose "A regularly-timed film about a political point of view" didn't have the same ring. Still, it's poignant.

Reid Volk

Grim, uncompromising, opaque: these are the first words that come to mind when viewing Kieslowski's "A Short Film About Killing."
One of two… MoreGrim, uncompromising, opaque: these are the first words that come to mind when viewing Kieslowski's "A Short Film About Killing."
One of two full length films to emerge from his famous "Decalogue", this film focuses on the dark side of human nature. No attempt is made to balance the scales with any glimmer of hope and Kieslowski is relentless in achieving his goal.
The film is about 3 polish men and how their fates are intertwined. The murders, one the cause of spontaneous violent desire and the other a calculated act of the state, are both agonizing to watch. The audience is given no heroes to root for or villains to wish ill upon. Instead, Kieslowski wishes to show the senselessness of these acts and that killing perpetuates killing.
While the films subject matter wades heavily in the macabre, the images themselves are rendered in a way that makes the image very dark and foreboding. There are no brilliant or bright colors here and some of the characters appear to be surrounded by an encroaching circle of darkness. In one of the murder scenes, the screen almost goes to black when killer realizes his victim is actually dead.

Ken Stachnik

A really well acted and crafted emotional kick in the twig and berries.

Eric Broome

Even at just 84 minutes, this is quite a powerful film. Originally part of Krzysztof Kieslowski's incredible "Decalogue" series (made for Polish… MoreEven at just 84 minutes, this is quite a powerful film. Originally part of Krzysztof Kieslowski's incredible "Decalogue" series (made for Polish television), this tale of a condemned murderer was slightly extended to reach feature length.
A confused, nervous youth brutally kills a taxi driver, is caught and sentenced to death. His motive is not well-explained, and the senselessness of the crime is one of the story's most upsetting elements. To add further ambiguity, the cabbie has revealed his own cruel traits and is actually less sympathetic than his killer. Meanwhile, the boy's sensitive lawyer has a crisis of conscience amidst the proceedings.
What's most striking about Kieslowski's direction is his flawless sense of pace. The tension builds so perfectly, and there's never a shot which seems to last a frame too long or too short. This is all the more remarkable, knowing that the film had to be re-edited after being "finished" at a much shorter length. It's a beautifully made piece. This is not the sort of morality play which will provoke heated debates about capital punishment, but it does exquisitely illustrate the emotional cost of violence.

Lady D'arbanville

From a slow starting film to a realisticly, disturbing, impact of a story. This film is created with the intention to demand your attention. It's lack of… MoreFrom a slow starting film to a realisticly, disturbing, impact of a story. This film is created with the intention to demand your attention. It's lack of explation or motive adds to the authentic feeling, it could almost be a fly on the wall documentary.

Luke Baldock

This time Kieslowski examines murder. Whether it be the killing of an innocent man, or the murder of a guilty man by the state. Kieslowski keeps it smart by not… MoreThis time Kieslowski examines murder. Whether it be the killing of an innocent man, or the murder of a guilty man by the state. Kieslowski keeps it smart by not taking sides, and simply presenting both cases as they are.

Quinto Wallight

The film raises interesting questions regarding death and our right to end one's life as punishment, still I would need to see it again without so many… MoreThe film raises interesting questions regarding death and our right to end one's life as punishment, still I would need to see it again without so many distractions.